Hello all,
It hasn't been that long since an update, but it feels like an age. I am sitting in the most beautiful old stately home that has been converted into a hostel in Sacramento, CA, surrounded by ornate clocks and huge books on California, so it feels appropriate that I sit down to write a letter. Digitally. To a whole host of unknown people.
So it perhaps isn't appropriate at all, but I am teaching this house a thing or two about progressive technology.
Where do I begin? The beginning, I suppose. As I wrote you previously I was still in LA, the odd city of odd that treated me very nicely. Tuesday morning Pedro picked me up, we found Katie (an Australian I had invited on the trip the night before whilst at a gig) and set our compasses North. The vague plan was to take Highway 1 the entire way to San Francisco, stopping in various towns along the way when we needed. Pedro drove, as neither Katie or I were a) on the insurance, or b) experienced at driving on the wrong side of the road. So we took it in turns to play navigator/DJ (DJ Death Ray Gray at your service) and photographer for Pedro. My favourite part of the first day was stopping at a small beach just south of San Luis Obispo. It was a small inlet/cove with big houses that fronted right onto the sand, and 'Private Beach' signs abounds. It felt like we were sneaking into another world, and we probably were.
We stayed the night in San Luis Obispo, then headed off fairly early towards Big Sur. The fog was incredible as we set off, but slowly the sun burnt it away to reveal the most lovely coastline. Much like the twelve apostles but with rolling hills just next to the sea. We ended the day watching kids play and bonfires burn on the beach in Carmel.
The third day saw an exploration into Salinas and Monterey. I left my travel buddies to have breakfast and went to explore the John Steinbeck Centre, of which I was the only patron for a while, until a couple of retirees joined me. It was a really wonderfully set up place, lots of interaction for kids and insight for those a little older. It was nice to see the area in which he grew up and that had such an influence on his writing. Although, it has changed considerably, and would now probably be unrecognisable to those who once lived there. I like to think that I still got an idea of what it was though.
From there we rolled up to Santa Cruz, the quintessential beachside town, full of amusement centres and rides along the foreshore. It reminded me of the way English beachside towns are set up, although the weather was considerably better. And from there, to the bright heart of Northern California, San Francisco. I had been before, but still enjoyed it just as much. I met old friends for a picnic in the park, which reminded me SO much of summer days spent in Edinburgh Gardens at home. San Fran, like Melbourne, but bigger and with more mexican food.
So that brings be here I guess. I took the greyhound yesterday, which I loved. Time spent travelling and staring out the window as the scenery rushes past is never time wasted. Cheap, a cross-section of people, book reading time? Winner. I think I will spend more time travelling this way if possible. I saw STRUNG OUT play last night, to a oddly empty venue, with a rather subdued crowd. I showed those Sacromentoians how to enjoy a show, I shall tell you that much. A lady came up to me after and said that I was her favourite, that those boys couldn't touch me. HA! DANCING SKILLS MAKE ALL THE FRIENDS. I guess when you know no one it makes it even easier to act the fool, even though knowing people doesn't usually stop me anyway. I walked home through the very quiet streets in a balmy air, which was nice. I still am not a fan of hot weather, but the nights are lovely.
And that is all there is, for now. I am waiting on Nick, a friend of my old couch-surfing wonder-hosts Nathan and Aaron (from LA last trip), to swing by from San Fran to pick me up, where we will venture North towards Redding, to visit Nate and his ranch. Rad!
Keep me posted of all your goings on, and i'll do the same.
Rachel
PS. Here are my two lovely travel companions, being hilarious, as they are wont to do.
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